The Tri-Lobe prosthetic interface has become the market-leader due to its user-friendliness. It is, however, not an ideal interface for driving the implant into the bone. Southern's unique Tri-Nex uses the lobes for prosthetic interfacing and a long hex for implant placement.

Increasing demand for primary stability means that implants are being placed with ever increasing insertion torques. The Southern external thread has proven suitability for high insertion torque without causing bone necrosis. Hence the need for an insertion drive mechanism that:

Gives precise feel and control/rigidity

Can transmit insertion torques up to 100Ncm

Will not distort or damage the prosthetic interface

Will not weaken or reduce fatigue resistance of the implant

These requirements are answered by the hex drive of the Tri-Nex implant.

The Internal Octagon implant range of implants consist of cylindrical (ITC) and tapered (ITT) versions. The ITC implants are available in diameters 3.3, 4.1 and 4.9mm and the ITT implants come in diameters of 4, 5 and 6mm. Adding a new dimension to anterior aesthetics, is the Co-Axis range of ITT implants with the prosthetic axis angled at 12 degrees to the surgical axis. These implants come in diameter 4 and 5mm.

For molar tooth replacement, these are highly tapered MAXIT implants in diameters 7,8 and 9mm.

The implant abutment interface consists of an external 45 degree bevel top, an internal octagon for anti-rotation, and an 8 degree internal taper. The effectiveness of this interface has been proven by both Swiss and American manufacturers.

The DC series comes in both tapered and cylindrical implants. Both body forms have a machined surface collar. The implants are available in four diameters, the 3, 3.5, 4, and 5mm. A special high strength pure titanium is used for diameters 3 and 3.5mm, giving them significantly increased fatigue strength. The micro-thread has the same thread pitch as the main body thread, facilitating placement and stability.

This range of Externally Hexed Implants are available in diameters 3.25, 4,5, and 6mm. Diameters of 7, 8, and 9mm are also available in the External Hex MAX Implants. Implant lengths vary from 6-20mm and all implants are surface roughened with Southern's extensively proven and well documented enhanced surface.

External Hex is the most versatile connection system. It enables us to make very short implants, and highly angled implants, not possible with with internal connections. It is also a "more forgiving" connection system, in case of poor alignment. Southern will continue to develop and support this range, as it is the choice of many training institutions and top end users. External Hex has an extremely wide range of prosthetic options.

The Internal Hex surface was developed in the 1980s and since its inception has grown in popularity, due to its tactile sensibility. The coronal micro-thread and main body thread have the same pitch, allowing for perfect implant tracking and no "snagging" of cortical bone. A universal connection interface is used throughout the product range, and high strength Grade 5 titanium is used for all implants. A single prosthetic interface for the three different diameters reduces inventories at the dental practice.